Median Income
$53,333
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,300
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
102/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.7%
169% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.5%
73% higher than US avg
How Towner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population466
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density561/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
C
Median Income$53,333
Per Capita$35,465
Unemployment9.7%
Poverty21.5%
County GDP$279M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,300
Ownership79.8%
Zillow$138,993
Housing Units275
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent102/100K
Property1,320/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking14.8%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.7 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,475 ft (450 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute16 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Towner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Towner receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Towner has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Towner is $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Towner is $93,300, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Towner is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,320 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Towner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches, including 39.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Towner has a population of 466 with a density of 561 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.9%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Towner is $53,333, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,465. The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 242 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,333 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,465 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,637 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.7% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.5% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 242 |
| County GDP | $279M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Towner is $93,300, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,993, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $702 for a one-bedroom to $873 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 275 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $2,200 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,300 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,993 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $697 |
| 1 Bedroom | $702 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $873 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,214 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,464 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.2% |
| Housing Units | 275 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.36% |
In Towner, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Towner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,292/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Towner has a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,320 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Towner receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Towner vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 101.6/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,320.2/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 25 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Towner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,475 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 39.9°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,475 ft (450 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 561/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3471°N, 100.4070°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.7"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
242 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 14 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1954 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 ac, 1989).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,371 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
10 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
20 km |
| 1992 |
CLARK II |
2,443 |
68 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
20 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
20 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
35 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
96 km |
| 1997 |
FOXHOLM1 |
1,187 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Towner has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 7°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Towner. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $921 |
| Toddler | $842 |
| Preschool | $780 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $677 |
| Toddler | $640 |
| Preschool | $643 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Towner
What is the population of Towner?
Towner has a population of 466 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 561 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.
Is Towner expensive to live in?
Towner is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,300 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Towner safe?
Towner is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,320 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Towner receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Towner?
Towner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.7 inches, with 39.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Towner?
The job market in Towner faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 242 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Towner?
The median home value in Towner is $93,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,993. The homeownership rate is 79.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,200.
How are the schools in Towner?
Schools in Towner score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Towner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Towner?
The obesity rate in Towner is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Towner?
The average commute in Towner is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Towner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Towner is 89.9% White, 6% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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